Lyon v Brest: top-four push meets mid-table climb | OneFootball

Lyon host Brest in Ligue 1 on Sunday, 18 January 2026 in Décines-Charpieu, with the hosts eyeing a move towards the Champions League places and the visitors looking to nudge into the top half.

Lyon sit fifth on 30 points, while Brest are 11th with 22. The reverse fixture in November finished goalless, so small margins could decide this meeting.

Les Gones arrive on a five-match winning streak in all competitions, including league victories at Monaco and against Le Havre. Brest have won three of their last five, beating Strasbourg, Monaco and Auxerre in that run.

Lyon are without Rachid Ghezzal, Ernest Nuamah and Malick Fofana through injury, and Corentin Tolisso is suspended. Brest miss Mama Baldé (injured) and Julien Le Cardinal (suspended). For the hosts, Pavel Sulc is joint fifth in the Ligue 1 scoring chart with eight goals, while Afonso Moreira leads their assists with four (per the league rankings).

Expect a contrast of styles. Les Gones have averaged 55% possession with 85.95% passing accuracy and nine clean sheets this season, while Brest's 44% share of the ball and 27.66% open-play cross accuracy point to a more direct approach. Ludovic Ajorque tops Brest's assists with five, and Romain Del Castillo has six league goals, so deliveries into the box could trouble Lyon's defence.

A win would lift Lyon to 33 points and could move them into the top four. Brest would reach 25 points with victory and could climb into the top half, strengthening their mid-table platform.